Yamagata Aritomo

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(14 June 1838 – 1 February 1922)



Basic info:


- Born in samurai family.
- He was a field marshal in the imperial Japanese army.
- He is also known as one of the architects of the military in the early Japan.
- architect of the National Conscription Law.
- He was the father of Japanese military.
- In 1863 he was a commander of the Choshu Kiheitai.
- He was wounded in the defense of Shimonoseki against Western warships.

Achievements:

- Traveled to Europe and the United States from 1869-1870 to study Western military systems.
- Crushed minor revolts against the Meiji government.
- Became state councillor in recognition of his growing importance.
- He was appointed army minister in 1873.
- Following year 1874 he was appointed chief of the Army General Staff.
- When he returned he was appointed prime minister in 1889.

Slogan:

Born a Samurai, lived as a hero, died a conqueror.

Citations:

Borthwick, Mark . Pacific Century. 3rd ed. Boulder: Westview Press, 2007. Print.
Yamagata Aritomo. N.d. Photograph. WikipediaWeb. 20 Sep 2012.